Cargo storage and organization apparatus

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed an apparatus for storing and organizing articles within a defined space. The apparatus is collapsible and includes exterior panels, a base panel and a panel opposite the base. The interior of the apparatus is composed of a plurality of panels that are arranged to form compartments of varying sizes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage devices, such as cargo organizer for vehicles and the like, and in particular to a collapsible storage device.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] A common problem experienced by the drivers of automobiles is transportation of various articles and parcels. Typically, these objects move during transportation, which can result in damage to the various articles. Items such as glass or plastic may move and when filled with liquid can break and cause spillage within the vehicle's compartment. The various articles transported in a vehicle differ in shape and size, causing permanent organizer structures to be of limited use. The compartments must be able to be easily manipulated to accommodate various shapes and sizes of articles transported.

[0003] Another problem typically associated with transportation of grocery items, is the temperature range of the items. Items transported range from ice cream to hot rotisserie chicken, when these items are transported together they cause the ice cream to melt and the chicken to cool.

[0004] Some vehicular cargo organizers deal with the problem of transportation of various articles, but are limited in their collapsibility. Organizers are often bulky and take up too much room when not in use. When the full capacity of the trunk is needed to haul larger articles, the organizer must be removed from the vehicle, thus limiting its ease of use.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention includes an apparatus for cargo storage and organization, allowing for the placement and positioning of cargo in various compartments of the apparatus and is collapsible into a substantially flat shape, such that when not in use occupies minimal storage space within the cargo area of a vehicle. The apparatus is configurable into various shapes and sizes of compartments, so as to accommodate different types of cargo during each specific trip. Each compartment is preferably insulated to insure a constant temperature for various articles. Additionally, the collapsibility into this substantially flat shape allows for the stacking of multiple substantially flat apparatus.

[0006] In one embodiment, the invention is designed to organize and optimize the space in the trunk of a vehicle. It forms compartments, which allow for transportation of a variety of items without risk of the items moving during transportation. The apparatus (organizer) is completely collapsible, which gives an individual full access to the trunk space without removing the apparatus (organizer).

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an article storage device with an external frame having a plurality of first panels arranged to define an internal area, and at least one second panel extending between at least two of the first panels dividing the internal area into at least two compartments. The at least one second panel is configured for receiving at least one third panel in at least a removable engagement, to define at least one additional compartment. The plurality of first panels and the at least one second panel are configured for collapsing into a substantially flat orientation.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an article storage device with oppositely disposed first panels, and at least two second panels intermediate of the first panels. The at least two second panels are arranged substantially perpendicular to the first panels to define an internal area and at least one compartment. The first panels are configured for expanding and compressing, in order that the storage device be collapsible into a substantially flat orientation. The first panels can have spring like behavior such that when in the extended position the device is self-supporting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like numerals and characters indicate like or corresponding components. In the drawings:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus of an embodiment of the invention in an exemplary use in an automobile trunk;

[0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in an expanded position;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 upon its being collapsed;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in a collapsed position;

[0015]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded views of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of panels for the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0018] FIGS. 12-14 are perspective views of fourth embodiments of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 17 is a top view of a portion of the fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 18 is a top view of a portion of the fifth embodiment of the invention upon its being collapsed; and

[0023]FIG. 19 is a top view of a portion of the fifth embodiment of the invention in a collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 20 is shown as a storage device and/or cargo organizer, for example, in a vehicle trunk 22.

[0025] Turning also to FIG. 2, the apparatus 20 includes a base member 23 and a cover member 24 that enclose an area 25 within a frame 26. The frame 26 is formed of multiple panels 26 a-26 d, typically folded to define each panel 26 a-26 d, with two end panels 26 a, 26 d, for example, joined by fasteners (hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, etc.), adhesives and the like, so as to be moveable (when collapsing is desired as detailed below). The area 25 within the frame 26 is divided into compartments 28 by first (longitudinal) 30 and second (transverse) 31 panels. The base member 23 and cover member 24 can be joined to the frame 26 by temporary attachments such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, etc.

[0026] Continuing with FIGS. 3-5, the apparatus 20 is such that the first or longitudinal panels 30 are removable from the frame 26, while the second or transverse panels 31 are movably mounted to the frame 26. The second or transverse panels 31 typically include notches 32 for engaging correspondingly configured notches (not shown) in the first or longitudinal panels 30 in a releasable or temporary engagement when the apparatus 20 is fully assembled, with the frame 26 stabilized by the inclusion of these first or longitudinal panels 30.

[0027]FIG. 3 shows the frame 26 with the first or longitudinal panels 30 having been removed. The frame 26 can now be collapsed, as shown in FIG. 4, as the panels 31 are connected to panels 26 a, 26 c of the frame 26, so as to b& moveable (foldable or collapsible) with the frame 26 to the collapsed orientation, shown in FIG. 5, where the frame 26 is substantially flat.

[0028] Similarly, the first or longitudinal panels 30 could be movably mounted in the frame 26 while the second or transverse panels 31 could be removable from the frame 26. All other structure and functioning of the frame 26 would be similar to that described above.

[0029]FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment apparatus 50 where the panels 26 a′-26 d′ forming the frame 26′ are severable from each other, typically joined to each other by fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, or the like. All other aspects of this apparatus 50 are similar, to that of the apparatus 20, detailed above.

[0030] FIGS. 7-11 show another alternate embodiment apparatus 100, similar in all aspects to apparatus 20 disclosed above except where indicated. Structures similar to those described for the apparatus have been increased by “100”. Here, for example, the second or transverse panels 131 a, 131 b are of different sizes and movably mounted to the frame 126 (formed of panels 126 a-126 d). The longitudinal panels 130 are similar to longitudinal panels 30, in that they are removable from the frame 126. The transverse panels 131 a, 131 b include notches 32 (detailed above) or other mating type connectors, while the longitudinal panels 130 include correspondingly configured notches 32 n or other mating type connectors (that receive the corresponding connectors on the transverse panels 131 a and 131 b), allowing engagement of the respective panels (as detailed above). There is an additional intracompartmental panel 132 for longitudinal or transverse placement in a compartment to subdivide it. This intracompartmental panel 132 is typically attached to the respective longitudinal panels 130 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) or transverse panels 131 a, 131 b by attachments such as hook and loop type fasteners, zippers, snaps, etc.

[0031] In alternate embodiments of the apparatus 100, the functions of the longitudinal panels 130 and transverse panels 131 a, 131 b can be reversed, similar to that detailed for the apparatus 20 above.

[0032] The various apparatus 20, 50, 100 can be stacked on top of each other as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Here, for example, in FIG. 12, two apparatus 20 are stacked, as base members 23 are attached to the apparatus 20 (as detailed above) and a cover member 24 is attached, for example, by an adhesive that allows for its removal and resealing to the frame 26, such that the cover member 24 can be peeled back and reclosed when desired.

[0033]FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12, except that the base member 23″ includes a peripheral groove 140, as shown in FIG. 14. This groove 140 is such that the frame 26 sits securely in this groove 140, so as to be secure in the base member 23″.

[0034] FIGS. 15-19 detail another embodiment apparatus 200, that includes a first apparatus 202, similar to apparatus 20, 50 and 100 (as detailed above), having a compartment 204. This compartment 204 is dimensioned to receive a second apparatus 206, having compartments 208.

[0035] The second apparatus 206 is formed of a frame 226 of lengthwise panels 228 and widthwise panels 229 that define the compartments 208 when in a fully extended position (FIG. 15-16). The lengthwise panels 228 are typically of a material that is elastic in its behavior. For example these panels 228 may be spring-like in their behavior and biased in a direction to expand the second apparatus 206 such that it is self supporting and free standing (while in the expanded position) as well as suitable for placement in the first apparatus 202. This elastic material also allows the second apparatus 206 to be compressed, for example in an accordion-like manner (FIG. 18) to a fully compressed state (FIG. 19). In this fully compressed state, the fastening portions 234 on the widthwise panels 229 engage correspondingly aligned, fastening portions 235 on the oppositely disposed widthwise panels 229 to hold the apparatus 206 in this fully compressed state. This material may be vinyl or the like, reinforced with leaf springs and the like.

[0036] Alternately, the lengthwise panels 228 may be of a material (for example, vinyl, netting and the like) that is not biased, yet allows the second apparatus 206 to be moved to the fully extended position, such that the apparatus 206 is supported upon placement in the first apparatus 202.

[0037] These fastening portions 234, 235 are such that they adhere or are joined to each other when the second apparatus 206 is in the compressed position. These fastening portions may be of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, locks and other adhesives, so as to provide this retention when the apparatus 206 is in the compressed position.

[0038] In all of the apparatus 20, 50, 100 and 200 detailed above, the panels 26 a-26 d, 26 a′-26 d′, 30, 31, 126 a-126 d, 130, 131 a, 131 b, 132, 229, may be made of materials such as plastics, elastomers, corrugated cardboard, lightweight foam, fiberglass, rubber material, wood material, metal, and/or any combination thereof This material is typically waterproof or water-resistant and may be insulated. Base members 23, 23″ and cover members 24, are typically of the materials listed above, and could also be of vinyl, cloth, nylon, and/or any combination thereof. Similarly, these materials, as well as the materials for the panels 228 (above), may be waterproof or water-resistant and may be insulated.

[0039] There has been shown and described preferred storage apparatus which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications for the storage apparatus device are possible, and also such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. An article storage device, comprising: (a) an external frame comprising a plurality of first panels arranged to define an internal area; (b) at least one second panel extending between at least two of said first panels dividing said internal area into at least two compartments; (c) said at least one second panel configured for receiving at least one third panel in at least a removable engagement, to define at least one additional compartment; (d) said plurality of first panels and said at least one second panel configured for collapsing into a substantially flat orientation.
 2. The article storage device of claim 1, additionally comprising: (a) at least one third panel configured for connecting to said at least one second panel in a removable engagement.
 3. The article storage device of claim 2, wherein said at least one second panel includes a plurality of said second panels, said at least one third panel includes a plurality of said third panels, said plurality of said second and third panels configured for connection to each other to define a plurality of compartments.
 4. The article storage device of claim 1, wherein said internal area is rectangular.
 5. The article storage device of claim 4, wherein said plurality of first panels are integrally connected to define said rectangular internal area.
 6. The article storage device of claim 4, wherein said plurality of first panels are removably connected to form a rectangular internal area.
 7. The article storage device of claim 1, wherein said at least one said second panel is configured for connecting to said first panels.
 8. The article storage device of claim 1, additionally comprising: a collapsible insert configured for fitting into one of said at least two compartments.
 9. An article storage device, comprising: (a) a plurality of first panels oppositely disposed with respect to each other; (b) at least two second panels intermediate said oppositely disposed first panels, said second panels oriented with respect to said first panels to define compartments in the area between said oppositely disposed first panels; (c) said first panels configured for movement between compressed and expanded orientations; and (d) said plurality of first panels and said at least one second panel configured for collapsing into a substantially flat orientation.
 10. The article storage device of claim 9, wherein said first panels are composed of a spring like material.
 11. The article storage device of claim 9, wherein said second panels connected to first panels and substantially perpendicular to said first panels.
 12. The article storage device of claim 10, wherein said second panels include retaining portions, each of said retaining portions configured for maintaining engagement with at least one other retaining portion when two said retaining portions are brought into contact with each other. 